Crispy, Easy Best Air Fryer Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes — Fast Weeknight Side
Introduction
If you are looking for a fuss-free side, Best Air Fryer Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes fit the bill. They are simply sweet potatoes cut into cubes, lightly oiled, seasoned, and roasted in the air fryer until tender inside and crisp on the outside. No complicated steps, no long oven preheating, just straightforward comfort food that plays nice with so many meals.
Ingredients for this Best Air Fryer Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes
Below is a short, practical list. Feel free to tweak the seasonings to match your mood.
- 1 lb sweet potatoes (about 2 medium), peeled or scrubbed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
These steps are short and sensible. Picture yourself in the kitchen, music on, timer set, and you are good to go.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 F (200 C) for about 3 to 5 minutes while you prepare the sweet potatoes.
- Cut the sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. Try to make them uniform so they cook evenly. Yes, I know it is tempting to rush through chopping, but a few extra seconds here pays off.
- Place the cubes in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat every piece lightly.
- Sprinkle salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Toss again until well distributed.
- Lay the cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If they crowd the basket, do two batches rather than steaming them together.
- Air fry at 400 F (200 C) for 12 to 16 minutes, shaking or tossing the basket about halfway through to encourage even browning.
- Test doneness by poking a cube with a fork. It should be tender inside and have a golden, slightly crisp exterior. If not quite there, give them another 2 to 4 minutes.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if you like. They are great right away, and still good warm or at room temperature.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep time: 10 to 15 minutes (depending on how fast you chop)
- Cook time: 12 to 16 minutes per batch
- Total time: About 25 to 35 minutes (including preheat)
Nutritional information
This is an estimate per serving (recipe makes about 4 servings). Exact values depend on the size of sweet potatoes and the oil amount you use.
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 5 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Vitamin A: High (sweet potatoes are an excellent source)
Frequently asked questions
Can I leave the skin on the sweet potatoes?
Yes. The skin is edible and adds texture and nutrients. Give the potatoes a good scrub, and if you like the bite, leave the skin on. I usually keep the skin when the potatoes are thin-skinned or organic, and peel when I want a smoother bite for picky eaters.
Do I need to soak the potatoes before air frying?
Soaking starchy potatoes can help crispness for russets or white potatoes, but for sweet potato cubes it is not necessary. That said, if you have the time, a quick 15 to 30 minute soak in cold water, then a thorough dry, can help remove a bit of excess starch and improve browning. Most of the time though, I skip soaking for convenience.
How do I prevent my sweet potato cubes from sticking or becoming soggy?
Three simple tips: 1) Don t overcrowd the basket. Give the cubes space so hot air can circulate. 2) Use just enough oil to coat the cubes; too much oil can make them soggy. 3) Shake or toss the basket halfway through cooking to expose all sides to hot air. If you follow those, you will get better crisping every time.
Notes and serving ideas
These roasted sweet potato cubes are versatile. Toss them into grain bowls, serve alongside roasted chicken or fish, or mix them with wilted greens for a warm salad. For a slightly sweeter spin, swap smoked paprika for cinnamon and a touch of maple syrup; for a savory kick, add a pinch of cayenne or a drizzle of chimichurri after cooking.
Little anecdote: I once cooked a double batch for a small dinner party and forgot about one tray, which came out extra-crispy. Instead of apologizing, I called them accidental chips and watched them vanish first. So, sometimes a happy accident is welcome.
That s it. A friendly, easy recipe for Best Air Fryer Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes that works on busy nights and feels a little special on calmer ones. Give it a try, and tweak the seasonings until it feels like your go-to. Enjoy!
Best Air Fryer Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes
Ingredients
- 1 lb sweet potatoes (about 2 medium), peeled or scrubbed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 F (200 C) for about 3 to 5 minutes while you prep the sweet potatoes.
- Cut the sweet potatoes into evenly sized 1/2-inch cubes. Try to keep them similar so they cook at the same rate.
- Place the cubes in a large bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over them and toss to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder over the oiled cubes. Toss again until all pieces are lightly and evenly seasoned.
- Arrange the sweet potato cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry at 400 F (200 C) for 12 to 16 minutes, shaking the basket or tossing the potatoes halfway through cooking to promote even browning.
- Check for doneness: the cubes should be tender inside and have crisp, golden edges. If needed, add 2 to 4 more minutes.
- Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle with chopped parsley if using, and serve warm.
